Stanley School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 March 2023

Pupils, including children in the early years, smile as they arrive each morning. Caring staff help pupils to settle quickly into their animal-named classrooms. Pupils feel safe and happy at Stanley School. Pupils respond well to staff's high expectations for their conduct and achievement. They behave well in lessons and at social times. Staff supervise pupils closely. This means that they are well placed to spot any signs of upset. If bullying or inappropriate behaviour happens, leaders deal with it effectively. Pupils form trusted relationships with staff. Parents and carers appreciate the support that their children receive. Leaders help pupils to gain the knowledge and skills that they will need for the future. Most pupils achieve well from their starting points. Pupils benefit from a wealth of opportunities that are accessible to all. Examples include visiting the beach, posting a letter, building dens in the woodland area and raising money for charity. Pupils learn in the on-site pool and soft-play and sensory rooms. They enjoy horse riding, yoga and attending lunchtimes and lessons with their friends at the primary school which is located on the same site.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, the curriculum does not contain enough information about the knowledge that leaders want pupils to learn. This slows pupils' achievement in these areas of learning. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum clearly identifies the small building blocks of knowledge that pupils will acquire as they progress through the school.
• At times, teachers do not use tasks that enable pupils to learn the curriculum content as well as they should. This limits pupils' progress through some areas of the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that staff use teaching activities that are well matched to developing the knowledge and skills that pupils need to acquire.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)